Contents

INTRODUCTION

What are liquid multi fuel stoves?

Multifuel stoves are small, lightweight cookers designed for camping or backpacking. They burn a variety of liquid fuels such as the unleaded petrol/gasoline you put in your car, clean white gas you buy from camping stores and old fashioned kerosene (aka “jet fuel”). Some of them can also use butane/propane canisters (aka “camping gas”).

Multifuel stoves have two key advantages over regular camping gas stoves: first, their versatility makes it easier to find usable fuel wherever you are in the world (everywhere has unleaded petrol/gasoline). Second, in contrast to camping gas, they work well in cold temperatures so are useful for high mountains and polar environments.

Multi fuel stoves are also known as liquid fuel stoves, liquid multi fuel stoves, dual fuel stoves and petrol stoves. They are not to be confused with gas stoves or canister stoves – a full review of which can be found in a Comparison of Gas Canister Camping Stoves.

Here are some explanations of multi-fuel stove features:

Simmering

It is possible to adjust the heat output of all the stoves to some extent i.e. from full power to lower heat. This is usually done by turning a dial/valve which controls the amount of fuel that comes out of the bottle. However, some stoves have a second valve on the base of the burner itself which allows fine tuned simmering. This is useful for conserving fuel and any cooking more complicated than just boiling water. Finally, any stove using gas canisters will be able to simmer.

Nozzles

Multi fuel stoves have traditionally required you to change a part every time you change fuels. Specifically, a small nozzle inside the stove through which the fuel exits before burning. It’s easily done but can be a little fiddly at night, in bad weather and wearing gloves. Some newer models of multi fuel stove have found a way to burn the multiple fuels through a single nozzle. This just makes your life a little easier. Nozzles are variously known as jets, nipples and valves too.

Summary: excellent, reliable stoves that burn more fuel types than any other.

Until the release of the Optimus Polaris, the Primus multifuel stoves were the only ones that can really burn all types of liquid fuel (although see the Trangia X2 too). The others are either let down by diesel or butane/propane canisters. The Omnifuel has also been around for many years and is well tried, tested and loved. The OmniLite Ti is just a slightly smaller, lighter version made from titanium (read my full review of it here).

The latest version of the Multifuel range is the Multifuel III – which I haven’t tested. Previous versions included the Multifuel EX and Multifuel II. It is very similar to the Omnifuel, the latest edition of which is called the Omnifuel II. The key differences with the Omnifuel II over previous versions are more clearly labelled fuel nozzles and the ability to attach them to the legs of the stove, as well pot supports that lock in position and fold away into a smaller size.

These are excellent all-round multifuel stoves and hard to beat. Their only downsides are having to change between the three different nozzles depending on fuel (which you don’t with Optimus and Kovea stoves) and not having an built-in jet cleaner (like MSR, Optimus and ATG).

Weight: 436g (15oz), 441g (16oz), 340g (12oz)

Boiling time: 3.6 mins, 3.0 mins, 3.5 mins

Simmers: Yes

Need to change nozzles: Yes

Can burn: All of them (white gas, unleaded petrol/gasoline, kerosene, diesel, butane/propane canisters)

4, 5 & 6. MSR WhisperLite, International & Universal

Summary: good, reliable, simple stoves with no simmer controls.

MSR make the best known and most popular multifuel stoves in the world. The three Whisper Lite stoves are the simplest of their five multi fuel offerings. Most notably, they don’t have a second valve control on the stove which means it’s hard to control the heat output limiting your ability to simmer.

The basic WhisperLite only burns clean white fuel so is really only useful if you don’t want to use gas canisters, for example if it’s cold. The WhisperLite International also takes unleaded petrol/gasoline and kerosene which makes it much better for travelling (hence “international”) and the WhisperLite Universal takes gas canisters too. You’ll need to switch nozzles to burn the different fuels though.

Like all MSR stoves, the WhisperLite range all have ‘ShakerJets’ – which allow the stove to self-clean its nozzle by tipping it upside down or shaking it.

They’re good if you just want an on/off stove for melting snow and boiling water. But if you want to do any more varied cooking then just get a DragonFly or try Primus and Optimus stoves.

7. MSR DragonFly

Summary: good, reliable stove with simmer control.

The MSR DragonFly is very similar to the WhisperLite International. The key differences are that the DragonFly has the second fuel valve on the stove allowing for easy simmering and it can also burn diesel. As a result, it’s a tiny bit heavier and more expensive.

8. MSR XGK EX Expedition Stove

Summary: tough, reliable stove that burns most fuels, popular in cold weather but loud and no simmer.

The XGK Expedition Stove is known for being tough and reliable, and is the number one choice for polar and high altitude mountaineering expeditions. It burns all types of fuel except for gas canisters but does not simmer unless you buy a separate simmer plate.

9 & 10. Optimus Nova & Nova Plus

Summary: burn multiple fuels through one nozzle.

Optimus stoves have been around for a long time (they used to be called Brunton in the US) and have built up a good reputation. They recalled some stoves in 2010 that weren’t up to their usual standards but that was some years ago now.

The Optimus Novas are very good on paper: they burn all fuel types except for gas canisters and they do so using a single nozzle. In other words, you can switch between burning white fuel, diesel and unleaded petrol/gasoline without having to change nozzles. They also have a magnetic nozzle cleaner which allows you to clean even while the stove is still burning.

The main difference between the Nova and Nova+ is that the latter has a temperature control valve built into the fuel line which makes it a bit smaller and lighter.

11. Optimus Polaris

Summary: burns all fuels through a single nozzle.

Optimus release the Polaris Optifuel in 2015 and sent me a pre-release version to test out. You can see my full review here.

The remarkable thing about the Polaris is that it burns all liquid fuel types, including butane/propane canisters, through one nozzle. In other words, you can switch between, say, diesel and a butane canister without having to change the jet.

The only other stove that can burn canisters and liquid fuels through the same nozzle is the ultralight Edelrid Hexon. This is genuinely quite innovative and feels like a gauntlet has been thrown down to other manufacturers to emulate this ability.

Summary: simple, lightweight stoves for clean fuels only.

Their stoves are very simple and thus lightweight – the Hydra and Dual Max are two of the lightest available, beaten only by Edelrid’s Hexon (some of whose parts are actually made by Kovea) and Primus OmniLite Ti. The Hydra also has a special “noise reducer”. They only burn the clean fuels – white fuel and butane/proper canisters but at least do so through one nozzle. No simmering.

15. Edelrid Hexon Multifuel

Summary: ultralight, minimalist stove that burns all fuel types through a single nozzle.

Edelrid are a German company. Their Hexon Multifuel Stove is one of the lightest liquid fuel stoves available. However, it’s often listed as weighing 220g (8oz) but this weight does not include the pump. The total weight is actually 330g (12oz) but it’s still the lightest multi-fuel stove on the market.

It also burns all the fuel types through a single nozzle, a feat matched only by the new Polaris Optifuel from Optimus. I’ve not had the privilege of testing one myself but, on paper, this is a remarkable stove.

16. Soto Muka Stove

Summary: lightweight multifuel stove and the only one that doesn’t require priming.

The Soto Muka is the only multi fuel stove that you can start without priming first. You don’t have to leak a little liquid fuel, light it and wait for the stove to warm before you start.

Instead, they’ve developed a clever system that puts the whole process into the fuel valve: you turn it halfway to light the stove, count to 10 then turn it further to keep cooking. That means it is quicker, easier and much cleaner to use than any of the other stoves here.

Otherwise the stove is simple and lightweight but has no simmer and only burns white fuel and unleaded petrol/gasoline.

17. Coleman Sportster II

Summary: big and heavy but very cheap. Best used from a vehicle or base camp.

The Coleman Sportster II is different from the other stoves in that it does not have a separate fuel bottle. Instead, the stove is mounted directly on top of a fuel container with the effect that it looks more like a top-mounted gas stove.

It’s not the fastest, a little chunky and notably heavier than the rest but is solid and less fiddly than the usual design. For a multifuel stove, it is very cheap. Probably not ideal for carrying in a rucksack or pannier but good on a vehicle or at a basecamp.

18. Optimus Hiker Plus

Summary: a classic all-in-one stove that’s big, heavy and reliable.

The Optimus Hiker+ is a classic stove. It’s another all-in-one unit that’s even bigger and heavier than Coleman Sportster II. Again, not great for carrying on your back or bike but a solid unit when you have a static camp or vehicle to transport it. Plus, it looks really cool.

19. Optimus Svea 123R

The Optimus Svea 123r was originally introduced in 1955 so has a long history and a cult following to suit. One reason it is loved so dearly is because, in contrast to the modern ultra-light stoves with fiddly parts, the Svea is reassuringly solid and simple. It has a reputation for reliability.

Despite it’s apparent bulk, it is the lightest of the all-in-one stoves. The stated weight (550g, 19oz) includes a cooking pot and, of course, the fuel container which is not included the weights reported above. As such, it’s no heavier than many modern multi fuel stoves. Also, unusually for a manufacturer’s own reporting, the lengthy 7-minute boil time for a litre (quart) of water, seems to be considerably longer than some users report. Others suggest it is closer to 4 minutes.

20. Primus Multifuel Kits

Summary: converts your Primus gas burner into a multifuel stove.

Primus offer a range of multifuel conversion kits for their gas burning stoves. Specifically, there are kits for the Eta Power, Eta Spider, Eta Express and Gravity gas stoves. The kits allow the stoves to burn white gas, unleaded petrol/gasoline and kerosene as well as their usual butane/propane canisters.

If you want a multifuel stove then you’re probably better just getting a multifuel stove. However, these might be good if you already have one of the stoves, particularly like the Primus range (some of them have clever wind shields and heat sinks for more efficient cooking) or want the option of a simple gas stove sometimes.

21. Trangia X2 Multifuel Burner

Summary: converts your Trangia stove into a multi-fuel cooker. Great if you like Trangias, not if you don’t.

The regular Trangia stoves are alcohol burners. They are are fool proof, wind proof and very reliable but mind bogglingly slow and with no temperature control at all. They’re often used by youth groups as they’re so simple and considered safer. They are adored by millions and loathed by about the same amount.

The X2 Multfuel Burner allows you to burn all types of liquid fuel through the regular Trangia base and windshield. If you carry the original Trangia burner too then this combination is the only stove that will burn all liquid fuels, including alcohol. And, if you’re a Trangia fan, then you may love being able to convert your trusty burner. However, for most people, this would be a large, expensive and heavy route to burning petrol.

ATG Multi-Fuel Stove

ATG are a reasonably new company based in South Africa. They say they’ve designed their multifuel stove (which used to be known as the ‘Jiko’ multi fuel stove) for the tough conditions of Africa. It certainly looks good on paper: burning all fuel types except diesel through a single nozzle and with a built-in shaker jet ala MSR.

You can’t buy them outside of South Africa but ATG say they will ship internationally. Details here.

Go System Gemini Extreme

I’ve not used this stove myself, there is very little information about it online and GoSystems aren’t replying to my emails. On paper, the stove looks great – very light and, apparently, burns multiple fuels through a single nozzle whilst being one of the cheapest stoves on the list.

It also looks uncannily like the MSR XGK-EX. Reviews I’ve read online suggest that it is poorly designed and does not function well. I suspect it is no longer in production although it is still available from some stores online.

Pinguin Pyro

The Pyro is/was a multi fuel stove made in the Czech Republic. However, Pinguin have never replied to my emails and the Pyro no longer seems to be listed on their website.

TYPES OF FUEL

1. White Gas

White gas is short for white gasoline (so is actually a liquid, not a gas) and is also known as white fuel or naphtha. White gas is just a cleaner version of unleaded petrol or gasoline. It will burn burn with the same heat but be cleaner (i.e. leave less black mess on your stove).

Coleman Fuel, Optimus Arctic Fuel and MSR Super Fuel are similar to white gas only with added ingredients which make them safer and less volatile. Aspen 4 lawn mower fuel is apparently very similar to these specific camping stove fuels only much cheaper.

2. Unleaded Petrol/Gasoline

This is the stuff you get from the gas/petrol station to fill your car. It can be a little dirty to use meaning you’ll find black residue on your stove and may need to clean it occasionally. But it is universally available all over the world and makes it very easy to find fuel for your stove, wherever you are.

Other names / similar to:

Gasoline, petrol, unleaded petrol

Buy from:

Petrol/gas station

3. Kerosene

Kerosene is a type of fuel often used in jet and rocket engines. It’s much less flammable than petrol/gasoline (i.e. harder to ignite) but generates the most energy so cooks quicker than any other fuel type.

In the UK, kerosene is known as paraffin (as, apparently, it is in Ireland, South Africa and SE Asia). However, other parts of the world, paraffin is short for paraffin wax which is something different.

4. Diesel

This is the other stuff you can get from the gas/petrol station. It is usually the dirtiest of the fuels available and thus the least commonly used in multi-fuel stoves. However, it is readily available around the world so may be a useful backup. Expect to regularly clean your stove if you use diesel.

Other names / similar to:

Diesel, red diesel, DERV.

Buy from:

Petrol/gas station.

5. Butane/Propane Canisters

Small metal canisters containing butane and/or propane (it doesn’t really matter which), designed for camping. The only reason these can get confused is that in the US, gasoline (petrol) is usually referred to as “gas”.

6. Alcohol

Pure alcohol that has a strong flavour and smell (and sometimes colour) added to make it noxious. It is used in simple Trangia stoves, where it’s just poured into a pot and ignited.

None of the stoves above use alcohol as fuel. It’s included just to clarify that this is one type of liquid fuel that no multifuel stove can burn. (Although, if you’re using the Trangia X2 Multi Fuel, you could carry the original Trangia burner if you really wanted and thus, technically, be able to use alcohol).

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About the author

Tim Moss has supported over 100 expeditions across all seven continents. He has climbed new mountains, crossed a desert on foot and recently cycled 13,000 miles around the world. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society London and a Guinness World Record Holder. He aims to encourage more people to live adventurously. Read more...

– I think all the stoves can simmer when using gas canisters but I’ve added a note about it.
– Thanks for the heads-up on the Trangia multifuel kit. I love it! Will get it added shortly.
– Interesting. I’m not sure any spares/repairs kits are widely available in shops (the only candidate would be MSR). They’re so small that I’d always recommend carrying spares on a long trip. Otherwise, they’re small enough that you could order them online for international delivery.

David Manley

Hi Tim thanks for the article. The Trangia myths burner comes with a simmer ring which is effectively a disk that slides over the burner restricting the size of the area of fuel available to burn. I am looking at using a gel called Greenheat in my Trangia as an alternative. I have also converted a Kovea Booster +1 to fit my Trangia

Thanks David. I’d forgotten about that Trangia disk. Might be a stretch to claim that it has a proper simmer function but I suppose it does at least have a high and low setting. Let us know how you get on the with the Greenheat gel.

Thank you for all your help. Quick question, I’m getting a stove, there’s a sale where they’re selling two primus stoves. One is the omnilite ti which is 239g and £169, the other is a Primus express spider that’s only £75 but weighs 198g. The express spider is a lower btu output at 7150 and I don’t think it comes with many of accessories (maybe they quickly add up in price?), but at £75, this seems like a bargain right? Am I missing something? It’s lighter and cheaper?….
Thanks again,

Hi Will, from what I can see, the Express Spider is a gas stove not a multi fuel stove i.e. it can only take screw-on (threaded) butane/propane gas canisters and not burn any liquid fuels. Gas stoves are always cheaper than multi fuel.

If you just want a gas stove then the Express Spider looks nice and very light for a free-standing stove. However, unless I’ve missed something, it only costs £50 at Cotswold and £40 at AllOutdoor so £75 doesn’t seem like much of a deal. Otherwise, gas stoves start from about £20.

Jan Blecha

It’s deffinetely not one of the top stoves, but in your chart is missing one of the cheapest multifuel stove Pinguin Pyro. I’m heading for short Greenland expedition (first and probably last one in my live) so I’m thinking about buying multifuel stove. The only thing I need is possibility to burn any fuel and low price (but not due to a quality). Do you have some recomendation for me? (here is my choice MSR Whisperlite Universal, GoSystem Gemini Extreme or Pinguin Pyro). Thank you anyway for this very useful research.

Jan Blecha

Hey Jan, thanks for the Pyro link! I’ll get that added shortly (takes a bit of time to cross check all of the little details).

As for a stove that burns any type of fuel, if you’re not bothered about gas then the options are Optimus, Primus and the MSR XGK. None of others (including the Whisperlite Universal you mentioned) burn diesel which is probably the fuel you’re most likely to find if petrol’s not available. They’re all pretty similar really but the Primus are my favourite, the XGK is known to be solid and the Optimus Nova is the cheapest.

However, if you really just meant ‘burns petrol/gasoline’ then the Whisperlite International is much cheaper than the Universal and lighter (only difference is that the Universal burns gas canisters). The Hexon Multifuel is pretty cheap too and even lighter.

I wasn’t sure if you meant ‘low price’ for the stove (rather than for the fuel you’re expecting to us). If so, the Whisperlite International, again, is probably your best bet. Almost the same price as the Go Systems Gemini but with a very good reputation (I’ve not used the Gemini myself but my *hunch* is that it may not be the best quality)

Jan Blecha

Thanks for exhausting answer, but when I said “any fuel” I meaned liquid and gas too (sorry for misunderstanding). I would like to burn “clean” propane/ butane and when it’s not avaible, than liquid fuels starting with the best, cleanest ones. I know that universal stoves are not as good as only-liquid, but I’m gonna use it on ordinary camping with family, when I don’t want to smell like petrol station =) Therefore I chose Primus MultiFuel EX for prize about USD 105. If you are interested, I can measure and send you some properties for you (weight, size), make some pictures and so…

Allan Choquer

Hello
I just Bought a Optimus Polaris from MEC Feb 24th ( approx $195.00 Cdn ) Unfortunately I have had bad Karma with the fuel Pump delivery .The O rings and rubber for the check valve do not function with all fuels ! The wrong type of materials swell up and block ports and orifices on first fire -so it will require a rebuild and source better O rings .

My previous Optimus Nova had the same problems -poor design sent seal particles down the line and blocked jets and valve ,and also leaked at threads and caught fire !
I sent a letter to Optimus and did not receive a reply ! Returned item to MEC and informed them not to sell this item .
Its a good practise to test a stove before expedition. – I will now consider making my own Titanium stove !
Regards
Allan

Michael

Dear Allan,
this is Michael from Optimus in Switzerland. We are sorry to hear that you have experienced problems with your Polaris stove. Can you please let me know the following:
which fuel did you use when the problem occured?
what were the symptons you experienced with the pump (blocked immidiately, over time, did the stove lite up properly etc?)
which ports and orifices were blocked?
Is there any chance of getting hold of your stove? I would like to have a look at it…

I am surprised to hear about this issue, as we have tested the Polaris extensively during its development. After many tests with different fuels we carefully picked The o-rings we found to work in all conditions with all fuels. Also, during the field testing phase we didn`t see this issue. And since the stove is in the market, many consumers have given us very positive feedback.

Please let me know about the questions above so that we take appropriate steps to help you out.
Best regards,
Michael

Hi Darren, thanks for the comment and your kind words. Much appreciated. In response to your questions…

1. The Muka does have some simmer functionality but not fine tuning. You can see on the fuel valve that the ‘Run’ setting indicates a scale from minimum to maximum. The definition I’ve used for simmering (yes/no) is basically whether there is a separate control valve on the base of the stove. The Muka does not have this which means that you have less fine tune control and also that there is a delay between turning the valve and the flame adjusting (like when you turn the hot tap up in the shower and it takes a second to kick in).

If simmer control is high on your priorities then there are better stoves for this. Also note that any stove burning butane/propane gas canisters will have better simmering too.

2. I’ve not used the Windpro but it’s obviously a gas canister stove rather than multifuel. It looks nice and the upside-down-canister thing seems to be quite popular now and no doubt a good feature to have. To be honest, when it comes to canister stoves, I’ve not found much difference between them. I’d recommend just picking one that has the right features/weight/cost for you.

I’m afraid I don’t know if the Windpro has replaced the Simmerlite but MSR’s help team have always replied to my requests so you could try them directly.

Michael Neuner

Hi Tim,
regarding the Hexon Multifuel, on several other webpages I saw that the refered 220g are without a pump, so in a kind of gas only configuration. To make it multifuel you have to add at least 100g for pump etc. which puts the weight for comparison above 320g.
Right or wrong?
Michael

Well, you opened a can of worms there Michael! You’re right that the reported weight for the Hexon Multifuel does not include the pump. With the pump, the total goes from 220g to 330g. That would have made the Kovea Hydra the lightest multifuel stove until I double checked and realised that they too were reporting a weight without the pump included. Sneaky!

Anyway, Kovea were very helpful when I emailed them and the chart has been duly updated. The Hexon remains the lightest stove but only by 3 grams.

Thanks again Michael.

9

Amit

Regarding the Primus Omnifuel I found it as a total un reliable stove cause mainly due to poor engineering that show for example at the common leaking from the swivel joint of the fuel line near the pump and to the large number of O rings in different sizes/shape, filters….
It looks like the business model of this stove is to keep you buying spare parts….

Edelrid have an adapter for the hexon that allows it to be used in a trangia. It is called a tradapter. I use it in my storm cooker.
It involves popping off the legs and the tradapter clips round the hexon. It will even fit in the kettle.

David Bryant

Just to let you know that the Optimus Svea 123R happily burns unleaded petrol. Douse it in petrol and lob a match at it to preheat, as the flames die down open the valve and run it on high – great cooker (don’t try and simmer – get too much pressure build-up in the tank and they pop!).

OmniLite (or at least OmniFuel) is a very simple, tried and tested stove that’s easy to maintain so would be a safe bet.

The Muka is the flimsiest in terms of construction (e.g. thin, wire legs) and has a bit more fancy technology that I suppose could go wrong. But it’s also got no little nozzle to get clogged up and is much cleaner/simpler to use.

The Polaris feels like quality and a very solid build with strong leg supports. But it’s also putting all fuel types through one nozzle so could potentially be less efficient/reliable over time (I’m guessing here).

Hi Tim, amazing article! I was torn between the Optimus Nova and the coleman but now I have no idea!

I’m about to embark on a 6 month motorcycle tour, I’m looking for something that burns petrol, compact (very short on space!), relatively maintenance free and reliable (no need of new parts, jets, etc)

Hey Jimmy, the only downside with so much information is it can make the choice seem harder. The main thing to remember is that all of these stoves are very similar and ANY of them will be fine.

For simplicity, get the Nova because you don’t have to fiddle around with different nozzles. For reliability, the MSR and Primus stoves have the longest running reputations. The Coleman Sportster is, of course, a slightly different kettle of fish. Much bigger and heavier than the others with a built-in fuel container.

I’m sure you won’t be disappointed with a Nova but just shout if you have any more questions.

Best of luck,
Tim.
P.S. If you buy online then please do consider clicking one of the links above first!

This article is amazingly good with well written and complete information. You need a bit of help with the IT side though: better management of affiliate links and prices (I’m in germany), sortable/filterable lists, smooth navigation to nested content.

Thanks Lex. I’m all ears if you have any suggestions! Sortable/filterable lists would be great. The affiliate links are difficult because it’s hard to track down all the different products in different countries. Recommendations warmly welcomed though.

Tim,
Superb article and super comprehensive. As a professional guide for the last 30 years, I’ve burned through a lot of different stoves and really appreciate your experience in this. I’d like to share some experience as well. I have used the Primus optifuel (is also a fave) and the Optimus Nova and Nova plus in Greenland and Iceland…all were severely clogged and useless within a few days using normal gas pump Benzine in both locales. The only stove I’ve used that really didn’t fuss over that particular benzine or pump no-lead gas, is the MSR Dragonfly. Annoyingly noisy, but seems to burn anything you put in it and still simmered well enough to bake cakes.

Sonja

Hi Tim
I’m looking into the X2 Multifuel from Trangia.
Do you know what the difference is between the “X2 Multifuel Burner 750001” and the “X2 Multifuel Burner Kit 750100”?
According to the amazon.com description the only thing different is the bottle. But there is a huge price difference.
Thanks for the help,

Hi Sonja, I’ve just done a bit of digging. It’s not totally clear but the latter is often referred to as a ‘Part Kit’. That, matched with its very low price, suggests that it’s either just a replacement part (e.g. spare burner) or a maintenance kit (e.g. spare nozzles, o-ring etc). I hope that helps. Do come back and let us know if you find out for certain. I’m sure Trangia themselves would be able to help.

Dosh

Hi Tim, Do you know anything about using LPG (the kind sold in petrol stations for cars) with a multi-fuel stove? I am currently cycle-touring in Turkey and many of the petrol stations here sell LPG for about half the price of unleaded. Presumably this is some mixture of butane and propane but I have no idea in which proportions. I’m hoping I could use it as cheap and cleaner alternative to petrol, much like white gas. I’ve tried to google it but I can’t find any information on using LPG intended as car fuel in stoves. I don’t want to blow myself up! I’m using a Primus Omnifuel if that makes any difference.

As I’m sure you know, your Omnifuel will indeed burn butane, propane or a combination of the two when it comes in a small camping gas canister. But I’ve no idea about getting LPG from a petrol station, putting it into your fuel bottle and then burning it that way.

On the one hand it seems like it should work but, on the other, I also don’t see any mention on Google of anyone else trying it which suggests that there’s a good reason not to.

I’d be interested to find out more but the conclusion has got to be not to try it. Playing around with pressurised, flammable liquids sounds like a recipe for an injury.

When I cycled across Turkey, we bought the cheap puncture gas canisters (see here). Although we hardly ever used them because people get inviting us into their houses!

I’ll let you know if I find out any more about using LPG in a camping stove and please do the same if you find anything out. Good luck with the rest of the ride.

pascal de wilde

Just one little detail: the “other name” for “alcohol” should be “methanol” and not “ethanol” – ethanol is the drinkable version, methanol is the one that makes you blind, mad or dead… and should only be used for burning and cleaning. Ethanol will probably burn quite well though… but maybe that’s a bit of a waste ;-)

Alan Braggins

“Meths” is very largely ethanol (ethyl alcohol). A small amount of poisonous methanol (methyl alcohol) is added to make it not safely drinkable (and so not taxed in the same way as drinking alcohol), and colour, emetics and/or bittering agents are added to stop accidental drinking and discourage alcoholics from drinking it anyway.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denatured_alcohol#Purpose

Dag S Karlsen

Meths are a name used often for all kinds of denatured alcohol, in Norway it is not containing methanol, an addition of 10%-15% would have eliminated the soot problem, unfortunately you do not get that kind of alcohol in Norway.

(Our name for that is RØDSPRIT in Norwegian, and Google translate translates to : methylated spirit)

24

Ivan Biscan

Hi Tim I would like you to give me your opinion on it I want to get the best market stove for you would like to know which is the best ever seen in terms of operation and performance because I want to buy the best of the best

Hi Ivan. If you want a short answer then get a Primus OmniLite Ti or an MSR (e.g. DragonFly or XGK). They are tried and tested performers. The XGK is probably the most robust and least likely to fail but it’s also a bit primitive e.g. no simmering. The DragonFly and OmniLite are really well respected

If you want a longer answer then it would depend on whether you want to simmer, use canisters, are worried about weight or interested in ease of use (because you might start considering the Optimus Polaris or the Soto Muka).

Dave

Hi Tim
You can indeed simmer with the Optimus 123r, I have five of them and each one simmers quite well. I’m a bit of a stove nut and have a good collection of stoves. The optimus 8rs and 99s I have also simmer very well ;-)
Dave

Dave

I should add that you don’t want to use too big of a pot, fry pan or kettle on any of the stoves I listed or you will overheat the fuel tank causing the relief valve in the fuel cap to release the extra pressure which makes for a big flame out of the fuel cap. Remember the 123r, 8r and 99 are usually used for one to two people as a general rule.
Dave

Hi Tim, thank you for having this excellent reviews. I was wondering if you already reviewed the Pinguin Pyro from Czech. It seems a serious competitor to the Omnifuel and Polaris. Does it burn kerosene and diesel? Does it have a simmer function/control? Thank you for your time, jules.

Hey Jules, I’ve got the basic details of the Pinguin Pyro. They’re on line 18 in the comparison table.

From what I’ve read, it does not burn kerosene or diesel, only white fuel, unleaded petrol and canisters. I wrote to Pinguin for more information but never heard back. Please do share anything you find out!

I’ve yet to see or try one but I’d speculate that it’s a simpler, cheaper stove rather than a competitor for the top of the market Primus Omnifuel or Optimus Polaris.

Lindy

Hi there!
Thanks Tim for all the info and your navigable and well-maintained site with Q&A/feedback; much appreciated! I just invested in the Trangia Multifuel X2 and I intend to buy ethanol (etanol or etylalkohol as they call it here in Sweden) as back-up for it. I would like to have this on hand in case we have a power outage in the winter and need to use it inside the house or in a not completely well-ventilated area. I have read that this is the safest fuel in non ideally-ventilated places and that it even gives off a little heat in a pinch. Do you have any reflections on this? And any advice when switching between fuel sources, e.g. do you need to rinse out the canister?Thanks in advance!
All the best,
Lindy

Thanks for the comment. I don’t know a lot about fuels and safety so I can only speculate I’m afraid. I’d suggest doing your own research too.

I’d assume that ethanol/meths is probably cleaner than burning petrol or diesel, and gives off less fumes (petrol and diesel, for example, will leave black soot in your stove which meths won’t). It will still give off carbon monoxide though which, I think, is the main danger of using stoves inside a tent (or, in your case, an enclosed space).

As for giving off heat, all stoves will help warm your room, no matter what the fuel. Indeed, in extreme cold, warming a tent with your camping stove is common practice.

And for rinsing the canister between fuel types, I’m sure it’s a good idea but I doubt it’s too important. If the stove can burn both fuels then I doubt a tiny, diluted trace of another fuel would be a problem. Although, with the Trangia X2, I think you’d be using different containers for each anyway: a pressurised fuel bottle for petrol/diesel/white fuel and the small round tray for meths/ethanol.

This is definitely isn’t stuff I know a lot about though so please do seek a second opinion! Let me know if you find anything out.

Mattias, Sweden

I’m “somewhat” obsessed myself, so I have some MF-kitchens (Omnilite Ti, XGK EX, Polaris & Dragon Fly), the only ones that’s good at handling big pots & pans is the MSR stoves. None of Omnilite, nor Polaris can handle a large pot with HE.

What I would LIKE to compare is the ability to handle big, heavy pots.

But help me out here…

To make a COMPACT cooking system, WITH a GOOD windshield that holds up in any terrain, the ONLY solution I can come up with is mounting my Omnilite Ti inside a Trangia. But then I miss out on the heat exchanger.

Can you give me some ideas..?

Love the page, keep up the good work! Can I contribute by buying through one of your channels maybe..?

Ps. When using the Dragon Fly, it’s not very important, I only use that one for BIG pots camping, never on the go.

Steve

I use my stoves for fishing in the uk…either gas stoves or the colman sportster. I am having issues with the coleman on unleaded and now feel I want to get something that will burn unleaded without worrying whether it will fire up the next time i try it. What would you suggest as the most reliable for that fuel?

Right, gotcha. Does gas cease to become an option after October because of the cold? The stoves that you let you use the canister upside down make a big difference in cold weather (i.e. the ones with a pre-heat tube). But if you’d rather just get multi fuel then I’ll leave you in peace! ;)

Great article – but after sales service can be an issue. I have 3 single burner stoves old enough so that the O rings must be replaced – I contacted Primus yesterday with photos of my stove looking for replacement O Rings- their reply follows…… (with the exception of the O rings – the stoves look like they are built to last forever….)

Hi,
Our hose design has changed a couple times over the years, and unfortunately I don’t have that exact o-ring. Also, we don’t have any of the old style hose left that I could use for size comparison to see if any other o-rings I have would fit. Since you do still have the hose, I would recommend fitting an o-ring to it by size. I don’t know of any specific Canadian suppliers, but automotive supply and hardware stores are often good sources for o-rings.

Geoff Cattrall

Thanks for the fuel summary. You didn’t mention ‘lighter fluid’. I live in Hong Kong where ‘white fuel’ or ‘naphtha’ is not available but all hardware stores sell ‘lighter fluid’ (generally in used beer bottles :) Is it the same thing? Same seems true for India.

Dag S Karlsen

Have not seen this before now, great, have chaired a link to this on a Norwegian forum.

Coleman fuel is hard to get in Norway, but we use Alkylate gasoline like this: https://goo.gl/EffHmb Works well for most makes, Some with color may clog, so we go for the clear versions without oil (oil for 2 stroke engines)

Have read about panel wipe, but has not found a Norwegian word for that, I understand it is a paint thinner close to gasoline. Would like to get help to learn more.

Denaturated alcohol makes soot here, they contains additives witch should make you feeling ill, but not die. Adding a little water helps, but reduce the effect. Adding methanol 10-20 % removes sooting, but is of course poison.

Multifuel stove who even may use alcohol, ( Optimus 111 Cobra and others) tends to get problems with rubber seals and packing’s when it has been used alcohol, and then going pack to kero or gasoline.

I miss one column in the table, because by my experience multi-fuel stoves are designed for a primary fuel but may run on other fuels.

By my opinion the Coleman stoves made for kerosene and gasoline, runs best on gasoline (white gas). Most Optimus stoves run better on kerosene than other fuels, maybe except for multi-fuels made the last years where white gas may be the primary fuel. (those made outside Sweden)

I hadn’t considered multi-fuel stoves having a ‘primary’ fuel. I had assumed that manufacturers always recommended using clean, white fuel, just to cover themselves. Perhaps I’ll make the appropriate column bold on my next update. There is a lot of information to fit in one table!

Dag S Karlsen

I have tested a lot of these stoves, I am not looking for high output only, it is important with good simmering possibilities, and of-course a trustable stove. In addition a difficult Norwegian explanation, a stove who has a spirit, or soul, it gives you a good feeling.

Among those we have the old Optimus 111 versions with brass tank, the Svea 123 and Coleman apex. All of those gives me a that feeling and are trustable and simmers well.

It is lots of other stoves almost that good, but I do not get that good feeling, Others may have other experiences e.g. with Colemans dual or triple burner stoves, Optimus Nova, som 3-leggers brass tank stoves etc. It sounds totally crazy but my advice is to not buy a stove you do not trust, ore can handle after one test, you have to feel comfortable with your stove.

The Hexon Multifuel CAN burn diesel. Edelrid don’t advertise that but confirmed it was possible when I emailed them. I updated the table last year but clearly forgot to update the text. Thanks for the heads-up.

However, the text and table are correct to say that it CAN’T burn alcohol.